Our public services coverage provides practical information you can use. Learn about transportation updates, public safety resources, city utilities, parks, and other essential services that affect daily life in Jacksonville. We aim to make these systems more transparent so you know what is available and how to access it.
Featured image for “Meet Jon Marston, St. Augustine’s new police chief”
St. Augustine's new police chief, Jon Marston, is sworn in by his predecessor, Jennifer Michaux. | St. Augustine Police Department
January 16, 2026

Meet Jon Marston, St. Augustine’s new police chief

Marston joined the St. Augustine Police Department in 2008 after moving a few years earlier from Maine.…

Featured image for “JTA proposes continuing Connexion Plus disability ride service with higher fare, ride caps”
JTA COO Jeffrey Smith(center) discusses changes being made to their Connexion Plus program during an authority town meeting at The Legends Center. | Dan Scanlan, Jacksonville Today
January 13, 2026

JTA proposes continuing Connexion Plus disability ride service with higher fare, ride caps

JTA reverses a decision to cancel the Connexion Plus paratransit program, opting for a 6-month trial with higher fares.…

Featured image for “St. Augustine police chief announces retirement”
St. Augustine Police Chief Jennifer Michaux will retire next month. | St. Augustine Police Department
December 5, 2025

St. Augustine police chief announces retirement

Police Chief Jennifer Michaux reflects on her 30-year career in law enforcement and her five years as chief.…

Featured image for “St. Johns County bans smoking at parks and beaches”
Smoking cigarettes and vape pens is now against the rules in St. Johns County. | Brian Yurasits, Unsplash
December 2, 2025

St. Johns County bans smoking at parks and beaches

Students from Washington Classical Christian School had asked county officials to change smoking rules.…

Featured image for “NUMBER OF THE WEEK | House fires in Jacksonville”
November 14, 2025

NUMBER OF THE WEEK | House fires in Jacksonville

So far in 2025, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department has responded to 421 house fires.…

Featured image for “OPINION | Smaller than Jax, but I have rail: Lessons from Tucson’s Sun Link system”
Opened in July 2014, Tucson’s Sun Link is a 3.9-mile line, built for $196 million. | Ennis Davis
November 5, 2025

OPINION | Smaller than Jax, but I have rail: Lessons from Tucson’s Sun Link system

As JTA’s Ultimate Urban Circulator faces growing scrutiny, it’s worth considering Tucson’s Sun Link, a thriving modern streetcar system in…